4th of july fire works/trigger?

[jenniferk86]

So...last year, and every25 years before this one, before the symptoms began and before I knew I had chiari, the fourth of july was one of my favorite holidays to watch with my kids in amazement at the beautiful sky... This year I didn't even think about it, but after about the third firework, I couldn't hardly move or breathe or keep my eyes open to watch them enjoy the show or watch the fireworks myself because one of the most horrific headaches of my life began and is still lingering as of now still through pain meds. I have not had any surgeries, but my question is, can this now be a trigger for me? Will I never again be able to watch fireworks with my kids again?

[selmaS]

  It should and hopefully get better with time....as I said, I would avoid loud places post op...I still do not like when there r multiple people talking at once, but I can deal with it now...and I did not have an issue at the fire works at all...I loved it...but I am 2 yrs post op.

  It all takes time, and each of us has our own time table.

          "selma"

[xmelax35]

I totally understand, as my husband and I tried to go and watch too. It was very painful for me and I have been paying ever since. I know how you feel.

[jenniferk86]

If I'm like this before surgery gosh knows how I will be post op!

[selmaS]

  I avoided overcrowded places. and suggest earplugs for the hospital....I think it is part of the over sensitivity we have post op and I pray it will lessen for u both....Samantha I see u have the same issues...Glad the ear plugs worked so well : )

            "selma"

[Samanthab259]

I used ear plugs last night & it went very well!! Its really not a bad idea. I cant stand loud noises since i had surgery it makes me have bad headaches. I will use the ear plugs again!

[jenniferk86]

maybe if I use ear plugs?

[selmaS]

  Hi....I have heard others have the same issue...I usually have issues with too many talking at once, but I went to the fireworks and the only time I had a HA was the yr I was post op.....I do not go in the field, I sit in the car....but I did not have an issue last night, but we were a distance away...but close enuff to enjoy.


  It could be u just have too much pressure and the explosions is causing more pressure....if u understand what I am trying to say.....I am a fireworks junkie...lol....I have to go.....and am so glad I only had the one yr I really felt bad.

I do remember not being able to look up at times over the yrs and blamed my neck not knowing what the issue was, but I was there : )

  Sometimes we put up with being uncomfortable not realizing it may be more than that.

  I pray this is just until u release the pressure and then u can resume ur firework enjoyment : )

   "selma"

[jenniferk86]

I did lay down on a soft blanket and pillow as if I were in bed looking up ay the stars flat on my back because  already I cannot tilt my head up without pain. I just want sure about if loud noise could cause such a bad flare or if it was just prob coincidence?

[jenshead]

It makes sense that it could be a trigger.  Loud noises, bright lights and looking up tend to cause pain for people with Chiari.  Looking up is awful for me.  I would suggest bringing ear plugs and maybe laying down on the ground/car/whatever so you don't have to turn your head up.  Obviously you can't experiment with this too many times a year, but try to pay attention to whether or not these two things are big triggers for you in other situations.

Try not to think about never being able to do something again...that will only bring you down.  You just have to get creative!!